Aromatherapy for Babies and Kids 

  Bod - October 06 

Aromatherapy is the use of plant essences, also known as essential oils, to combat physical ailments and promote emotional well being. It is an ancient practice that can be very effective for babies when used in the proper dilution. Dr. Alan R. Hirsh, a psychiatrist who is neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, believes that babies are influenced by what they smell. In his latest book, 'Life’s a Smelling Success' Dr. Hirsh examines how scents can stimulate infants’ brains and potentially enhance cognitive development.

There are several safe essential oils that can provide relief for baby ailments such as restlessness, colic, or insomnia. The essential oils most commonly found in aromatherapy products include lavender, chamomile, mandarin, marjoram, neroli, jasmine, melissa, fennel, and pettigrain. For instance, a bedtime bath featuring essential oils of lavender and chamomile can help calm a fussy baby and gently induce sleep.

How much is safe to use?

It is important to point out the difference between pure, natural essential oils, and fragrance oils or other synthetic oils that have no healing properties at all and can irritate young skin. 

Use only half the amount of essential oils when dealing with children that you would use for an adult. For babies up to two years old a 1% dilution is recommended (5 drops essential oil to 2T carrier oil). After two years a 2% dilution may be used (10 drops essential oil 2T carrier oil). Bod for bubs abides to the less than 1% dilution in their products.

It is not recommended to use essential oils on babies younger than 6 weeks old. They are still developing in many ways and are adjusting to life outside the womb. Essential oils are too strong in most instances to use at this stage. After 6 weeks of age the most suitable oils to use on a daily basis are chamomile, marjoram, rose maroc, orange and lavender. As the child grows older, there are more oils that become appropriate for use. The table on the following page includes essential oils that are commonly accepted for use with babies and children.

Essential oils commonly accepted for babies and children

Chamomile, Lemon eucalyptus, Rose, Marjoram, Eucalyptus, Mandarin, Sweet orange, Jasmine, Geranium, Neroli, Tea tree, Sandalwood, Lavender.

Aromatherapy applications and benefits for infants and children

There are several methods of application you may employ with children. One of the most therapeutic and enjoyable for both parent and child is massage. Studies have shown that babies who are massaged regularly are more relaxed, eat and sleep better, and have less colic and constipation. one of the best reasons to massage your baby though, is that it promotes bonding between parent and child, and a baby who is bonded is going to adjust to new situations and life in general, much more easily. Another application is where there are skin complaints such as eczema, nappy rash. Used with the appropriate base oils or creams, essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties such as lavender and chamomile, can assist in the healing process of these ailments. Avoiding the harsh chemicals usually suggested for these complaints (such as tar and sorbelene cream) would be best for baby, as they tend to make the situation worse.